What We Know After 2 Games

We are only two preseason games into the 2008 season and there are some truths we can take away so far.

1. Even though the 1st team offense struggled in the rain, they did move the ball well and Donovan at his worse, still was better then his 2007 best. {Not counting the destruction of Detroit last season} Westbrook barely played in game 2 and did not play in game 1, so for the offense to be productive without it’s best weapon is encouraging.

2. The rookie – Desean Jackson continues to impress. He saw ALOT of action with the 1st team offense thru two games and easily was the most productive WR on the field. The kid has a knack for getting open. The Eagles may just have a playmaker on their hands. He did put the ball on the ground, which can get you in Andy’s doghouse – quick, but so far you can’t deny what he has been able to do.

3. There are some quality young linebackers and the coaching staff will have some tough decisions to make come Sept. There will be some that will end up being cut, that can and will be on another roster. The hero of game 2, rookie Justin Roland might not even make the roster when it comes to the final cuts. The starters Gaither, Gocong, & Bradley already have Jordan and Mays leading the 2nd team which leaves only one more spot for Roland, Togafau, Boiman, & Studebaker who also made some plays this preseason but is still raw, to fight for.

4. The secondary could be one of the best in the league. After Dawkins gave up the touchdown in the 1st game against the Steelers, he rebounded to deliver a crushing hit in the endzone this week that seperated the WR from the ball and saved a touchdown. Good for him and this team.

5. The offensive line has had it’s questions this year so far between Andrews bout with depression & Tra Thomas back problems, but in game 2, Herremans did a great job filling in at left tackle for Thomas on a night when he went up against J. Peppers, Carolina’s best defensive end who is expected to have his best year in 2008. We got a glimpse of the future where Herremans will slide out to tackle, creating a place for Jean-Gilles who was to challenge for the left guard position this season. Both tackles are aging and contracts are expiring after the season, but I wonder if the front office are trying to extend either one?!? King Dunlap, the HUGE rookie, was taking reps with the 1st team during the last week of camp, which could mean maybe the front office desire is to move on.

6. Special teams still doesn’t not look very “special”. I’m still having flashbacks on the Green Bay opener last season which showed the coaching staff lack of respect for that part of the game. Coming into the year, correcting that was the focus, but so far – I’m not seeing the kind of progress to make me feel comfortable with the unit, in coverage or returns.